What is FAME Bio-Diesel?

In order to create biodiesel, vegetable and animal fats are transesterified to create FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters).

Biodiesel is a chemical substance derived from renewable sources that is known as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester). On and off-road vehicles, as well as static engines, use it to extend or replace mineral diesel and gas oil. Pump diesel can contain up to 7% FAME at present, but higher levels of FAME, even up to 100% (B100), are not uncommon. FAME is produced when vegetable oils and animal fats are transesterified to make biodiesel. As a result of this reaction with short chain alcohol, usually potassium hydroxide, these oils and fats are converted into lower molecular weight esters (FAME).

During transesterification, the glyceryl backbone of the triglyceride (oil/fat) is split into three alkoxy groups. Alcohol reacts with FAME to produce three low-molecular-weight esters, and glycerol is released as by-product. In this reaction, potassium hydroxide acts as a catalyst. Biodiesel’s methyl esters are highly hygroscopic, therefore they can hold considerably more moisture in suspension in the fuel than petroleum-derived diesel. In comparison, petroleum-derived fuels absorb less moisture, forming a separate layer of water at the bottom of storage tanks. The presence of water in diesel provides conditions for microbial growth, which can result in diesel bugs, moulds, yeasts, and bacteria spreading throughout the fuel.

The biodegradable material FAME provides microbes with essential nutrients. A fuel that has been contaminated can be permanently damaged if it is not treated.

Getting your fuel regularly checked by professionals will help prevent FAME fuel contamination. When it comes to diesel, it’s a good idea to have a test performed every year.

You should check your water every few months to check for any signs of contamination, even though a yearly check by professionals is a good idea.

You should schedule a fuel cleaning as soon as possible if you detect any of these signs while checking your diesel:

1. Issues with your equipment or engine when you have just topped up the fuel.
2. Cracks and signs of erosion on the fuel tank.
3. Visible water droplets in the oil tank.